Christina Waters

A recent vertical tasting of Le Cigare Volant—the Bonny Doon Vineyard flagship creation—showed off the evolving style, and substance, of vintage 1993 through 2009 of Randall Grahm’s main squeeze.

Incidentally the odd-numbered years showed especially well. Doubtless something astrological.

Also showing well was the handiwork of The Cellar Door’s creative culinary team, especially in a gorgeous array of halibut cheeks, scallops and prawns with aioli, sumptuous cheese and fig platters and killer fig and Stilton pizzettas.

The loquacious winemaker, who walked us through the wine cellar interior for a sneak sip of 2010 and even infant 2011 vintages, was in top form. Those who haven’t been to the tasting room lately will want to pick up some of the gorgeous biodynamic produce (more…)

Got a terrific video clip about Uncommon Brewers, from videographer Keith Wells.

Just in time for your own private Octoberfest.
Take a look.

I admire the entrepreneurial spirit as much as the next woman, but I just have to wonder (to quote late-night talk hostess Joyce Riley) - “What were they thinking?”

I am musing about the sign currently placed at the front of the former Bella Napoli, the former Il Trulli, the former Limoncello, the former Rocco’s: it announces that a “Mex/Italian Restaurant” is coming soon.

Two great cuisines.  But will they really be enhanced by an arranged marriage? Nachos Alfredo? Menudo Bolognese? Horchata panna cotta?

Hmm, come to think of it, a sweet rice panna cotta might not be bad…….

Last month the dishes arrived like bright, colorful jewels from the kitchen of David Kinch.Here is a celebrated plate — Into the Garden — in which choice morsels of what’s freshest and most appealing from Kinch’s grower, Love Apple Farm. Served on an Annieglass plate, almost too pretty to eat. Almost.  (more…)

A salad of trout, crisp skin/moist flesh, on a bed of green garlic, infant diced green beans, dry-farmed tomatoes and mixed shelling beans.

Too good.

Tuesdays, la Posta. The marvelous live mandolin and guitar music, the house Montepulciano, the neighborhood special….$15 for pizza and a glass of house wine.

We added this sparkling fresh salad of watercress and fava beans, topped with a perfect egg from the house chickens. Affordable, luxurious comfort food.

What a concept.

We had a terrific dinner last night at the Davenport Roadhouse. All four of our entrees, including a mushroom risotto, steelhead with pesto, roasted local halibut on a bed of favas and lemon spaetzle and my order of rare hanger steak atop lemony fresh artichoke hearts, fennel and mashed potatoes. Each dish was vibrant with seasonal flavors.

Our compliments to the talented man in the kitchen, Tim Edmonds. We’ll be heading back to the Roadhouse soon. The gorgeous view of the ocean at sunset doesn’t hurt the ambience one bit either.

The lively fish, wasabi and ginger creations at Sushi Totoro just get better and better.

Here was a recent dinner of saba nigiri (center, with micro dice of lemon and scallion), tekka maki with shiso leaf and an ethereal trio of hamachi nigiri.

(I used my iPhone for this image, and I’m stunned at how well it works for electronic publication.)

Local King Salmon, from Half Moon Bay to be exact, receives some expert handling at Avanti.

This lovely entree I enjoyed a few days ago showcased a very moist piece of pan-roasted salmon presented atop a risotto laced with spring peas, favas and micro-diced zucchini.

Pesto on top! Yes, and yes!

A charming idea, this First Thursday Brown Bag Wine Dinner concept. Especially the appealing price tag.

You can enjoy the authentic French cuisine of chef Lionel le Morvan, some pours of new Alfaro wines, plus the pleasure of a conversation with winemaker Richard Alfaro himself — all for $35 (per person; tax & tip extra).

It happens Thursday, June 2 (more…)